How to save money on hearing aids
Why Choosing the Right Audiologist Matters
No matter if your hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe, having a hearing test with an audiologist will help you determine whether you can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids or if you need customized prescription hearing aids to help you hear your best.Whether you need a routine hearing test or a more specialized service, it’s important to know what to look for when choosing a hearing aid specialist or an audiologist near you. In this article, you’ll learn key factors to consider and how HearUSA can help connect you with top audiologists and hearing care specialists across the country.
Why Choosing the Right Audiologist Matters
You may be wondering, “How do I know if one of the hearing aid specialists or audiologists near me will be able to help me with my exact needs?” When it comes to choosing the right hearing care specialist, keep in mind that qualified and reputable ones will:
1. Perform comprehensive hearing tests.
2. Accurately diagnose your individual hearing issues.
3. Recommend the best treatment options.
4. Provide guidance on which hearing aids may be right for you, and how to operate, adjust, and take care of them.
5. Provide resources for hearing aid care and support.
6. Set up additional fittings, adjustments, and follow up appointments as needed.
The right hearing care specialist will also make you feel comfortable and take time to answer any questions you have. Those who are part of the HearUSA national network are highly qualified and dedicated to helping you take control of your hearing health.
Protect Long-Term Hearing Health
Treating hearing loss sooner rather than later can help you protect the hearing you have left — for the long term. And because hearing loss and cognitive decline and other serious health issues are now proven to be strongly linked, taking care of your hearing should be of the utmost importance. A qualified audiologist will make sure that you’re not only treated for immediate concerns but also receive ongoing care to maintain your hearing health for years and years to come. Regular follow-ups are crucial for monitoring any changes and adjusting treatment as necessary as you move forward in life.How to Find the Best Hearing Specialists or Audiologists Near You
Use Online Resources
Whether you prefer a desktop computer, a tablet, or your smartphone, you can easily find audiologists near you by typing “audiologists near me” into the web browser search box. You can also use trusted websites like HearUSA.com to find local specialists with excellent reviews. Searching for and reading customer reviews of audiologists is also a great way to help you choose the best doctor that matches your needs and preferences.
One of the best ways to find a doctor is to check them out in person. If you have time, stopping into local hearing centers and asking about the audiologists' credentials, experience, and services can go a long way in helping you make the right decision. This face-to-face interaction gives you a sense of the clinic's professionalism and commitment to patient care.
Consider asking yourself: Do I feel comfortable here? Is this a place I can easily get to with my means of transportation? Can I commit to coming here when I need follow-up care? Is parking convenient? Are they committed to personalized care? Do they specialize in my type of hearing loss? If you’re unable to visit a center in person, HearUSA provides details about every hearing care specialist in our network. Just enter your ZIP code on our Hearing Centers page to find centers in your area. You can then view their hours of operation, services provided, information on the team, and customer reviews.
Key Qualities to Look for in an Audiologist or Hearing Aid Specialist
Audiologist Credentials and Certification
Qualifications in the hearing care industry make a difference, as they ensure individuals are well-trained and qualified to provide the best care possible.
Most audiologists have earned a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree. Check to see if the audiologist holds certifications from recognized organizations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or the American Board of Audiology (ABA). While audiologists don’t have to be ABA certified, earning this credential shows an elevated dedication to delivering the best care and service. You’re more likely to see an audiologist if you need additional testing or have additional care beyond age-related hearing loss.
Hearing Aid Specialists Credentials
To become a hearing aid/hearing care specialist, one must complete enough education required by their respective state licensing guidelines (differs by state). They can choose to sit for additional designations, which include:
- BC-HIS/Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences, awarded by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS).
- Tinnitus Care Provider from the International Hearing Society.
- ACA/American Conference of Audioprosthology, previously awarded by the International Hearing Society.
Specialists can test your hearing and dispense hearing aids, if needed. Unlike audiologists, they do not diagnose or treat additional or specialized ear or hearing issues. A hearing aid specialist is ideal if you have age-related hearing loss or a more simple condition that can be treated with hearing aids.
Experience with Your Hearing Concerns
When you need care, it’s always comforting to know that the doctor has treated similar matters in the past. Be sure to look for an audiologist who has experience with your specific type of hearing issues, such as tinnitus or age-related hearing loss. Specialized experience often results in more effective and tailored treatment and therefore higher success rates with hearing aids.
Tips for Saving Money on Hearing Aids
While hearing aids’ costs can seem high, there are several ways to reduce the overall price and get more value for your money.
1. Shop around: Compare prices at different hearing aid providers to ensure you’re getting a good offer.
2. Look for bundled services: Some providers include hearing tests, fitting, and follow-up services in the price, which can save you money in the long run.
3. Use financing options: Take advantage of hearing aid financing options that allow you to spread the cost out over time and help you stay within your monthly budget.
4. Consider refurbished or basic models: If you’re on a tight budget, refurbished hearing aid models or hearing aids with fewer features may still meet your needs at a lower price point.
5. Use your health insurance or veterans benefits: Many insurance providers offer coverage for hearing aids, and veterans may be eligible for significant discounts or free services.
Check your insurance or ask HearUSA to check for you.
Your policy may cover some hearing-related services. Some states now require insurance companies to cover hearing aids. We’ll check your insurance for you and look for every possible discount to help you save.Use your flexible spending or health savings account (FSA or HSA).
Using one of these accounts that are a part of certain health plans allows you to save money and spend it tax free on qualified medical expenses like hearing aids.Take a hearing test with us at no cost.
We offer a free online hearing screening to get a quick snapshot of your hearing health. You can also book a complimentary hearing evaluation at a HearUSA center near you online or by calling us directly at 1-855-898-1320Research pricing.
We want to help you get the best price for your budget. That’s why we encourage you to shop around. While we believe we have the lowest prices for the best technology, if you find a lower price through another company, we’ll match it as part of our Price Match Guarantee. We’d love to have you as part of the HearUSA family and benefit from the lifelong perks.Check payment and financing options.
We offer affordable financing programs for every budget. This can help you get the highest level of technology for your level of hearing loss and stay within your monthly budget.No risk options.
When you do invest in hearing aids with HearUSA, you can rest assured you're protected. You’ll receive a 2-year warranty on your devices and enjoy peace of mind with a 60-day return policy. If your hearing aids aren’t working well in your life within 60 days, you can return them for a full refund, no questions askedGo to one of our local providers.
With your HearUSA hearing aid purchase, you’ll be able to go to a HearUSA hearing aid specialist (we have 400 located around the country), where you can easily visit for optimizing and cleaning, check-ups at no added cost.If you’re a veteran, ask us about a discount.
You can also check with Veterans Affairs (VA), as you may be able to get low-cost hearing aids as part of your VA benefits.Explore different levels of technology.
It’s important to have your hearing tested so you know what level of technology you need. You may not need the highest level of tech, which will save you some money. Our specialists are committed to your best hearing.Consider over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
OTC hearing aids are now available for mild hearing loss as part of a federal law. However, it’s still important to have your hearing tested at a HearUSA center near you so you know your level of hearing loss. A specialist can let you know if OTC hearing aids are right for you, as moderate to severe loss would require prescription-grade hearing devices. It’s important to keep in mind that using the wrong type of hearing aid can damage your hearing further. Be sure to book your testing appointment before you invest, so you’re not wasting your money.
Do's and dont's
Do act sooner than later and don’t delay:
Do get the right technology and don't compromise on quality to save money:
Do see a professional and don’t skip the exam:
You can depend on HearUSA
1 Aishwarya Shukla, et al. Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review. National Library of Medicine. March 10, 2020. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32151193/.
2 Mener, David J., et al. Hearing Loss and Depression in Older Adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. September 2013. agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.12429.
3 Rutherford, Bret R., et al. Sensation and Psychiatry: Linking Age-Related Hearing Loss to Late-Life Depression and Cognitive Decline. American Journal of Psychiatry. March 2018. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29202654/.
4 Lin, Frank R., et al. Hearing Loss and Incident Dementia. Journal of the American Medical Association. February 2011. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/802291.
